What is the #1 Thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Working?

What is the #1 Thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Working?

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What type of garage door Opener and Door Do You Have? What do you do when your garage door suddenly stops working? .


If garage doors suddenly stop functioning, it could be a stressful and uncomfortable experience.Whether you're hurrying for work, or trying to pull your car to the garage after a heavy rain an unresponsive door is the last thing you need to have to deal with.The initial step to tackle this issue is to identify the kind of garage door and opener you are using, as this will significantly affect your approach to diagnosing and fixing.


Garage doors are generally classified into several categories based on their design and operation.The most commonly used kinds are roll-up, sectional as well as tilt-up doors.Sectional doorways are constructed from panel sections connected with hinges that allow the door to open and close by bending as it closes and opens on the vertical track.Roll-up doors, typically seen in commercial spaces are made from slats that roll up into coils.

Tilt-up doors, on the other hand are a single piece of furniture that tilts out and up as it opens.

Belt drive garage door openers are quieter however, they employ a rubber band rather than chain. They're a good option for garages that have attached garages. Screw-drive garage door openers use a steel threaded rod for moving the garage door. This is the perfect option for noise and cost.

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The next step is to examine your garage door opener, and identify the model. Check the plug and breaker to confirm that the opener is running. Check the release cord for manual operation to make sure that it hasn't pulled. This could result in the door being disconnected from the opener. Examine the tracks and rollers of the door to determine if there are any damage or obstructions.

What is the #1 Thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Working? - inventory

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Clean up any obstructions.

Lubricate moving parts if necessary in order to prevent lubrication issues. can cause sticking or jamming.

Resetting your opener is a solution to any electronic malfunctions. Consult the manual of the model you have to determine the precise steps. Some openers can be reset with a push of a button while others require that the unit be disconnected and after that, it must be re-plugged.


Spring tension is high and can cause danger to repair them without the proper tools.


In conclusion, when your garage door suddenly stops functioning then the

Look for any obstructions or other debris


If the garage door abruptly ceases working, it can be extremely frustrating and confusing particularly if it's element of your daily routine.

One of the most important and most useful steps to undertake when faced with this problem is to examine the door for any obstructions or debris.This simple yet effective action could be the answer in identifying the issue and then restoring function to your garage door.

Even a small obstruction could hinder your garage door from working as it should.


Begin by looking at the tracks on the opposite side of the door.Look for any obvious obstructions or accumulation of debris.If you notice anything unusual like a twig or a stone stuck to the track make sure you remove it.

There are times when the problem may not be evident immediately, so it's advisable to move your fingers along the track to feel for any hidden obstacles.Ensure that the tracks are aligned properly in addition, as any misalignment could cause the door to become jammed.

Check the hinges and rollers. The parts should be free to move without a thump. If they are stuck or sticky, this could be caused by rust or dirt. Cleaning and lubricating them can generally solve the issue.


Be sure to inspect the area surrounding the door.

What is the #1 Thing to do when your Garage Door Stops Working? - inventory

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Sometimes, objects within the garage could slide or move, making it difficult for the door to move. Check to ensure that the garage area is clear of obstructions, and that there are no obstructions that might block the door.


Check the sensors if the door does not open after you have cleared any obstructions.

Modern garage doors come with safety sensors that stop doors from closing in case there is something within the path.Make sure these sensors are in good condition and aligned correctly, as dust or improper alignment can cause them to fail.

By keeping your walkway clean and avoiding obstructions, you can avoid calling a professional to resolve a problem that's usually simple.

Examine the wall switch and remote control


It's essential to inspect the wall switch and remote control.

These components are often the reason for the garage door not responding, and performing a thorough check could save you time and potentially avoid unnecessary costs.

First, consider the remote control.This handheld device is your primary tool for operating the garage door without direct physical interaction.Over time, remote controls can experience issues such as drained batteries, signal interference, or even internal damage.Start by replacing the batteries with new ones.It might seem simple, but dead batteries are a common reason for a garage door not responding.If the problem persists after replacing the batteries, try reprogramming the remote according to the manufacturer's instructions.Additionally, ensure that the remote is within the recommended range and that there are no obstructions blocking the signal.


The wall switch is a critical component of the garage door system.

If you are comfortable you are comfortable, then open the switch to inspect for any damaged or broken wires.

In some instances, the wall switch might seem to be functioning properly but the door remains unresponsive.This could indicate a problem in the garage door opener unit itself or other parts like the sensors or the door tracks.However beginning by utilizing the wall switch and remote control is the logical first step.

You can eliminate these issues before you begin more complex troubleshooting.

In the end, examining the wall switch and the remote control in the event that your garage door stops working is a sensible and simple approach.By inspecting these parts first, you'll quickly identify if the issue is within these components or if further examination is needed.This initial examination is not just time-saving but also provides assurance that you've taken all the steps necessary to pinpoint the issue correctly.

Manually test the door's balance


It can be a hassle and frustrating when the garage door ceases functioning. The garage door is an essential part of your house, as it offers security, protection against elements, as well as easy access to your car as well as storage.

Manually testing the balance of the garage door could be an important step should your door be malfunctioning. This easy but efficient method will assist you in identifying any issues that could be causing it and help prevent further damage.

The equilibrium of a garage door is crucial for its proper functioning.A properly balanced door makes sure that the opener won't have to work harder than necessary, reducing the risk of wear and wear on the motor and other parts.An uneven door, on the other hand could cause more severe issues over time for instance, misalignment or broken springs, or a complete system failure.Therefore conducting a test of the door's balance is a vital diagnostic step that can assist in determining whether there is a problem with the door itself or the opener mechanism.


Begin by disconnecting the garage door opener.

Many garage doors have a release mechanism. It is typically with a red handle or cord that lets you disengage the door from the motor.Once the door is disconnected then carefully raise it up to around waist-high, and then release it.A properly balanced door should remain stationary or move slowly.If the door falls fast or jumps up, it indicates an imbalance.

It is recommended to speak with a professional to help you adjust the springs so that your garage door is correctly balanced. This will not only solve the problem but will also improve the longevity and durability of your garage door.


Manually testing the balance of your garage door is a critical first step to take when it suddenly stops working.

This helps determine whether the problem lies in the door's balance, or in another place within the system.By realizing the importance of balancing your door and dealing with any issues immediately you will be able to avoid any damage to your garage door and ensure that the garage door is operating smoothly and safely for the years to follow.

Examine the Tracks and Rollers

When you're faced with a garage door that suddenly refuses to operate, your first response is to panic or think of the most difficult technical issues.However most of the time, the solution is in a straightforward inspection of the tracks and rollers.This crucial check will make a difference in time and expensive repair costs which is why it's the first that you must prioritize in the event that your garage door ceases working.


Tracks and rollers are critical elements of your garage door's operational system.The tracks are the metallic rails that help guide the door as it opens and closes. The rollers are tiny wheels that travel along the tracks.

Over time, these parts could become dirty, misaligned, or worn out, leading to operating issues.

Begin by visually inspecting the tracks for obstructions.Dust dirt, grime, and even tiny debris may accumulate on the tracks, leading the rollers to struggle while they travel across the path.Cleaning the tracks using a damp sponge can usually solve these issues.Make sure that you dry them thoroughly afterward to stop rust from forming.


The next step is to verify the alignment of the tracks. The tracks should be straight and parallel. If they look bent, or not in alignment, the door might jam. You can hit the section that is not aligned to its proper position using mallets made of rubber. However, if there is a lot of damage, it's better to call professionals who can re-align the tracks to their proper alignment.


The inspection of the rollers is equally important.Over time, the rollers may be damaged or worn out especially if made of plastic.

Metal rollers that have bearings last longer, and provide better performance.

Additionally, lubrication also plays a essential role in maintaining the smooth operation of the tracks and rollers.Applying a silicone-based lubricant can decrease friction and reduce wear.Make sure to lubricate all moving parts, which includes the hinges and springs, to ensure the garage door runs effectively.


When you make sure that the components are in good alignment and properly lubricated, it is possible to make sure that the garage door is restored to full function.

Inspecting and maintaining these parts will also help prevent any malfunctions from occurring in the future. This can prolong the life of the garage system.

Look for obvious damage or wear

If a garage door suddenly stops working, it can be annoying and disconcerting especially if you're going out or trying to make sure your home is safe for evening.While there could be various reasons for the malfunction but one of the most efficient and swift actions to take is to examine the door for obvious damage or wear.This initial inspection is likely to uncover the cause of the issue, which allows the door to be repaired quickly and efficiently. solution.


Garage doors are a complex system that is made up of a variety of components, including springs, cables as well as rollers and tracks each one of which plays a crucial role in its seamless operation.Over time, these components can experience wear and tear because of regular usage and exposure to environmental factors.

When you conduct a thorough examination, you will be able to identify any obvious indications of damage that could be making the door malfunction.

Begin by checking the springs, which are vital for the lifting and lowering of the door.Look for signs of rust, breakage or misalignment.A broken or worn spring can make the door inoperable, and it is essential to resolve this problem promptly.Next you should look at the cables and look for fraying or broken cables that may hinder the door's movement.Similarly, inspect the tracks and rollers for any debris, dents or obstructions that might be hindering the door's path.


Another important area to pay attention to is the door itself.Look for any obvious damage, bends, or warping that may affect its balance or alignment.Pay attention to the weather stripping on the top of the door as a damaged strip can hinder the door from sealing properly.

Check that the sensors at the door are also clean and in alignment. Incorrect alignment or dirt could cause the sensors to fail and stop working.

A visual inspection can be beneficial, but it's important to keep in mind that not all problems are immediately obvious. If you don't see any obvious signs of wear or damage you may have to consult with a specialist to pinpoint the issue.


This approach will not only help you identify the problem faster, but it will also enable you to take steps to restore the functionality of your garage door.

Being proactive and vigilant, you can ensure the longevity and security of the garage door.

Verify for Springs and Cables

When your garage door suddenly stops working it could be annoying and inconvenient.One of the most essential actions you can take in this scenario is to check the springs and cables.These components are vital to the functioning of your garage door and any issues related to them are typically the cause of a broken door.


Springs play an important role in the operation of your garage door by neutralizing the door's weight.When the door is moving, the springs support most of the burden and allow the door to close and open smoothly.There are typically two types of springs, torsion springs and extension springs.Torsion springs are installed over the garage door and twist to store energy. On the other hand, extension springs are situated on either side of the door and extend to allow the required force.

The springs could get worn out break, or lose tension, which can cause operational problems.

Additionally, cables are important since they work with springs to raise and lower the door.They are typically made from steel and designed to withstand substantial tension.However they are susceptible to suffering due to wear and tear, fray or snap due to the extreme pressure they're under.A broken cable can result in the door becoming unbalanced or become completely inoperative.


In the process of assessing springs and cables, start by visually inspecting them.Look for indications of rust, wear or fraying.If you spot a broken spring or cable It is important to refrain from using the door until the problem is resolved, as forcing it can cause more harm or lead to an accident.If springs appear to be intact however the door is not functioning, it might be that they've lost tension and need adjustment.


It's crucial to emphasize security when working with garage door parts.

Cables and springs are held at pressure and could result in serious injury when mishandled.If you're not familiar with garage repair, it's advisable to consult an expert technician.They have the necessary equipment and know-how to properly fix or replace these components making sure your garage door is operating correctly and securely.

In conclusion, when your garage door suddenly stops working, assessing the springs and cables is a key step in diagnosing the problem.Understanding their role and potential issues can help you determine whether a simple adjustment is needed or if professional intervention is required.Taking prompt action not only restores functionality but also ensures the safety and longevity of your garage door system.

You should contact a professional Technician


Your garage door may suddenly stop working, causing you to lose time. This could expose your home to danger.

Although it may be tempting to get your toolbox and attempt doing it yourself however, the best option is to think about calling a professional technician.This option not only assures your safety but also offers an effective and long-lasting solution to the issue.

Garage doors are complex systems composed of various components such as springs, cables, tracks, and electronic parts.Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the door's operation, and a malfunction in any part can cause the entire system to fail.Without proper knowledge and experience, attempting to fix these issues can be dangerous.For instance, garage door springs are under high tension and can cause severe injury if handled improperly.Professional technicians are trained to deal with these risks safely, using the right tools and techniques to handle repairs.


Furthermore, a skilled technician has experience and expertise that a layperson does not possess.

They can quickly diagnose the issue and identify whether it's a minor problem, like a misaligned track, or something more serious, like a broken spring.This expertise not only saves you time but also prevents the potential for further damage that can occur with incorrect handling.Professionals also have access to high-quality parts and can ensure that replacements match the specifications of your existing garage door system, leading to better functionality and longevity.

Furthermore having a professional on your team can be more affordable in the long run.While a DIY method may seem less expensive initially, the potential for errors is very high. This can result in more extensive and costly repairs in the future.A professional technician can complete the task correctly the first time, minimizing the risk of issues recurring.

Many technicians also offer guarantees on their work, giving you peace of mind knowing that in the event of something going wrong, you're covered.

A professional could save you a lot of time and hassle.Trying to learn the intricacies of garage door mechanics and purchase the appropriate tools, and execute repairs can take hours or days.In the opposite, a technician is able to fix the problem quickly, and allow you to go back to normal without any unnecessary delays.


In the end, even though the urge to fix your garage door yourself may be strong, calling an expert technician is the most secure option, the most efficient, and in the end, the most practical option.Their knowledge, expertise as well as access to top-quality parts, as well as their ability to complete quick and precise repair work will make sure that your garage door is up and running at a high level and will protect your property and your valuables.

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Village of Mokena
The gable bank barn at the historic McGovney–Yunker Farmstead
The gable bank barn at the historic McGovney–Yunker Farmstead
Flag of Village of Mokena
Official seal of Village of Mokena
Motto(s): 
Planned Progress, Pleasant Living
Location of Mokena in Will County, Illinois.
Location of Mokena in Will County, Illinois.
Location of Illinois in the United States
Location of Illinois in the United States
Coordinates: 41°32′04″N 87°52′37″W / 41.534414°N 87.876873°W / 41.534414; -87.876873
CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
CountyWill
TownshipFrankfort, New Lenox
Incorporated1880
Government
 • TypeVillage
Area
 • Total8.68 sq mi (22.47 km2)
 • Land8.68 sq mi (22.47 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total19,887
 • Density2,292.19/sq mi (885.05/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
60448[2]
Area codes708
FIPS code17-49854
Websitehttp://www.mokena.org/

Mokena (/mˈkinə/ moh-KEE-nuh) is a village in Will County, Illinois, United States. It is a southwest suburb of Chicago. The population was 19,887 at the 2020 census. The Census Bureau's 2019 estimate found that the population had increased to 20,159.[3]

Etymology

[edit]

Mokena is a name apparently derived from a Native American language meaning "turtle".[4] While the particular language from which the name originates is not documented, likely candidates are Anishinaabemowin, whose word for "snapping turtle" is mikinaak,[5] and its close sister language Potawatomi, in which the same animal is called mkenak.[6] Both languages were once spoken in the area now occupied by the town.

Mokena is located at 41°32′4″N 87°52′37″W / 41.53444°N 87.87694°W / 41.53444; -87.87694.[7] According to the 2010 census, Mokena has an area of 8.893 square miles (23.03 km2), of which 8.89 square miles (23.02 km2) (or 99.97%) is land and 0.003 square miles (0.01 km2) (or 0.03%) is water.[8] It is bordered by Tinley Park to the northeast, Orland Park to the north, Homer Glen to the northwest, Frankfort to the south and New Lenox to the west.

Education

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Elementary school services are provided by one of four school districts: Mokena School District 159, New Lenox School District 122, Frankfort School District 157C, and Summit Hill School District 161. Schools within District 159 include MES (Mokena Elementary School), MIS (Mokena Intermediate School), and MJHS (Mokena Junior High School). Mokena is served by Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210; students living in districts 159 or 122 attend Lincoln-Way Central High School, and students living in districts 157C or 161 attend Lincoln-Way East High School. Higher education is provided at Joliet Junior College, the nation's first public community college, and at Rasmussen College.

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1880522
1890364−30.3%
1900281−22.8%
191035927.8%
192047532.3%
193056218.3%
194065716.9%
195090337.4%
19601,33247.5%
19701,64323.3%
19804,578178.6%
19906,12833.9%
200014,583138.0%
201018,74028.5%
202019,8876.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 18,740 people, 6,358 households, and 5,120 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,432.4 inhabitants per square mile (939.2/km2). There were 4,848 housing units at an average density of 808.6 per square mile (312.2/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 94.5% White, 1.3% African American, 0.01% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,703 households, out of which 48.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.7% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.8% were non-families. 14.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 3.46.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 32.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median family income is $82,596 and the median income for a household is $91,817. Males had a median income of $58,226 versus $31,522 for females. The per capita income for the village was $31,944. As of 2008, the median house value was $350,130, up from $211,300 in 2000.[11]

About 0.7% of families and 1.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

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The Village of Mokena is serviced by the Metra rail service Rock Island District. Mokena has two commuter rail stations, Hickory Creek and Front Street, providing service to downtown Chicago's LaSalle Street Station, connecting with components of the Chicago Transit Authority. Mokena is also served by I-80, which runs along its northern border. Through I-80 commuters have convenient access to I-355 (Veteran's Memorial Tollway) and I-57. The main north–south thoroughfares are US Route 45 (LaGrange Rd) and Wolf Rd. The main east–west thoroughfares are 191st St, LaPorte Rd., and US Route 30 (Lincoln Highway). Rail freight traffic travels along both the Metra RI District Railway (Metra RI) and the Canadian National Railway (CN). The CN tracks run east/west along Mokena's southern boundary, while the Metra Rock Island District (Metra) tracks approximately bisect the town in a northeastern/southwestern direction.

Notable people

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  2. ^ "Mokena IL ZIP Code". zipdatamaps.com. 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  3. ^ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search". Archived from the original on June 15, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 211.
  5. ^ "The Ojibwe People's Dictionary". ojibwe.lib.umn.edu. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  6. ^ "Potawatomi Language Dictionary - View Word". potawatomidictionary.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  7. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. ^ "G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  9. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. ^ "Mokena, Illinois (IL 60448) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders". www.city-data.com.
  12. ^ "Boers: Leaving Home Produces Rush Of Vivid Memories". December 23, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  13. ^ Sherdog.com. "Jason Guida MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  14. ^ 'Don C. Hall, 87, Veteran Show Trouper, Dies,' Stevens Point Daily Journal, October 29, 1953, pg. 15
  15. ^ "Ron Kittle: Renaissance Man | Chicagoly Magazine". Archived from the original on June 22, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  16. ^ Sotonoff, Jamie (August 30, 2011). "Denise Richards: Suburban upbringing kept me grounded". Daily Herald.
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Sectional garage door
Up-and-over garage door
Torsion springs, drums, cables, end bearing plates, center bearing plate and rolloers (wheels) all hardware needed for a functional garage door.
Garage Door Hardware

A garage door is a large door to allow egress for a garage that opens either manually or by an electric motor (a garage door opener). Garage doors are frequently large enough to accommodate automobiles and other vehicles. The operating mechanism is usually spring-loaded or counterbalanced to offset the door's weight and reduce the human or motor effort required to operate the door. Less commonly, some garage doors slide or swing horizontally. Doors are made of wood, metal, or fiberglass, and may be insulated to prevent heat loss.

Description

[edit]
An electric garage door opener operates on the center track

A typical version of an overhead garage door used in the past would have been built as a one-piece panel.[1] The panel was mounted on each side with an unequal parallelogram-style hinge lifting mechanism. Newer versions of overhead garage doors are now generally built from several panels hinged together that roll along a system of tracks guided by rollers.[1] The weight of the door may be 400 lb (180 kg) or more but is balanced by either a torsion spring system or a pair of extension springs.[2] A garage door opener is controlled motorized mechanism for opening garage doors adds convenience, safety, and security often used with a remote or a button on wall.[3]

History

[edit]

The history of the garage door could date back to 450 BC when chariots were stored in gatehouses, but in the United States, they arose around the start of the 20th century. As early as 1902, American manufacturers—including Cornell Iron Works—published catalogs featuring a "float over door." Evidence of an upward-lifting garage door can be found in a catalog in 1906.[4]

Types

[edit]

Single panel garage doors

[edit]
jamb type hardware
one piece track type hardware

Single-panel doors are constructed from one monolithic panel. A single panel door swings up and overhead with a hinge on each side (jamb-type hardware) to a fully open position from the closed position. A disadvantage of monolithic panel doors is that the swing-up arc of the door occurs partially outside the garage. This means a vehicle must stop and park several feet in front of the door to avoid being hit by the garage door when it is opened.

Single panel doors can also be installed with (one piece track type hardware) that folds the door back with a single horizontal track on each side (mounted at the top of the wood frame) and a roller mounted to the top of the door on each side. A hinge on each side that attaches to the bottom of each side of the garage door. Using track hardware, a car can be parked much closer to the door, as the door is positioned entirely inside the garage door header when in the open position. Track-type hardware has less arc when raising and lowering the garage door than jamb-type hardware.[citation needed]

Sectional garage doors

Sectional doors usually have three to eight panels and slide up and overhead. Sectional doors occupy the same internal garage space as a monolithic door. Sectional doors have two advantages over single-panel monolithic doors:

  • Sectional doors do not require any space outside the garage to open. A vehicle may park very close to the garage before opening the door.
  • Each panel of a sectional door has its connection to the door track. This increases reliability and robustness compared to monolithic doors, which have only a few track connections for the whole panel.

Garage doors can be made of many materials, but steel, aluminum, wood, copper, glass, and vinyl (polyethylene) are the most popular materials. Some manufacturers incorporate foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation within the monolithic panel and sectional garage doors.

The side sliding sectional door[5]

  • A lot of space under the garage ceiling.
  • Can use the entire ceiling of the garage.
  • Fast access to the garage

Roller doors

[edit]
Detail of roller door mechanism
Industrial tents with rollup overhead doors

Roller doors (sometimes called "sheet doors") are usually constructed of corrugated steel. They evolved from cover window and door coverings.[4] Other materials can be used (e.g., transparent corrugated fiberglass) where strong impact resistance is not required. Corrugations give the door strength against impacts. A typical single-car garage roller door has a preloaded spring inside the rolling mechanism. The spring reduces the effort required to open the door. Oversized roller doors in commercial premises are not sprung (except in the US), and a manual pulley and chain system or a geared motor is used to raise and lower (roll up and roll down) the door. Roller doors cannot be effectively insulated.

In the UK (and other parts of the EU), 'insulated' roller garage doors are available, using an aluminum lathe filled with polyurethane foam for thermal and acoustic insulation.

Concerning thermal insulation, the roller door has a typical insulation R-value of 4.9 to 5.2. A sheet steel garage door has a typical insulation R-value of 0.5 to 2.7.

An application that needs more thermal insulation typically uses a foam-filled sectional garage door, which provides typical insulation R-values of 6.1 to 6.4.

Garage door materials

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  • Aluminum garage doors are usually found in commercial settings and are uncommon for residential ones. Aluminum is typically only used for full-view garage doors (doors that are made up of glass sections divided by aluminum stiles). Aluminum doors are rust-proof and low maintenance.
  • Fiberglass and vinyl garage doors are composite units, combining a steel core behind a fiberglass or vinyl skin. They also have polyurethane insulated base sections or other types of foam insulation. These premium doors can match steel garage doors and be a realistic imitation of wood (namely fiberglass units), but they may be more expensive than steel units. Fiberglass doors are commonly used near an ocean, where salt water can ruin regular steel doors.
  • Steel doors have a variety of sizes and styles, provide strength and security, are cost-competitive, and may have optional insulating value. Extra strength is available with two or three layers of galvanized steel with a low gauge number (0.6 - 0.7 mm steel panels).[6]
  • Wood garage doors offer aesthetic appeal, but they are high maintenance and may be expensive. Low-priced wood garage doors may warp and break easily.

Steel stamped construction

[edit]
Sectional-type steel with exterior cladding overhead garage doors in the style of old carriage house doors

A common material for a new garage door is a steel sheet formed or stamped to look like a raised panel wooden door. Steel doors are available in uninsulated, insulated, and a three-layer door, also known as a sandwich-style door. A design mimicking carriage house doors has become popular since the early 2000s, and many manufacturers clad the exterior of a steel door with composite, vinyl boards, or other trim to give it the appearance of wood.

Insulation

[edit]

In situations involving residential attached garages, the insulating value and the energy efficiency of a garage door are essential to avoid overheating and freezing problems, as well as for comfort and energy savings.

Torsion spring lift mechanism

[edit]

A torsion spring counterbalance system consists of one or two tightly wound-up springs on a steel shaft with cable drums at both ends. The apparatus mounts on the header wall above the garage door and has three supports: a center bearing plate with a steel or nylon bearing and two end bearing plates at both ends. The springs consist of a steel wire with a stationary cone at one end and a winding cone at the other. The stationary cone is attached to the center bearing plate. The winding cone consists of holes every 90 degrees for winding the springs and two set screws to secure the springs to the shaft. Steel counterbalance cables run from the roller brackets at the bottom corners of the door to a notch in the cable drums. When the door is raised, the springs unwind, and the stored tension lifts the door by turning the shaft, thus turning the cable drums and wrapping the cables around the grooves on the cable drums. When the door is lowered, the cables unwrap from the drums, and the springs are rewound to full tension.

Life of torsion spring

[edit]

Garage door manufacturers typically produce doors fitted with torsion springs that provide a minimum of 10,000 to 15,000 cycles and are guaranteed for three to seven years. One cycle is a single opening and closing sequence. Most manufacturers offer a 30,000-cycle spring. However, it is essential to remember that if the garage door's weight is increased by adding glass, additional insulation, or even several coats of paint, the torsion spring's life may be significantly reduced. Additionally, springs in highly humid environments, such as coastal regions tend to have a significantly shorter cycle life, due to the corrosive cracking.

Other factors like poor garage door maintenance, loose tracks, or components shorten torsion spring life. Owners are advised to avoid applying grease to garage door tracks because that makes the wheels "skate" in the track instead of turning on their bearings. Only bearings, hinges, and spring wire require lubricant.

Extension spring lift mechanism

[edit]

An extension spring counterbalance system consists of a pair of stretched springs running parallel to the horizontal tracks. The springs lift the door through a system of pulleys and counterbalance cables running from the bottom corner brackets through the pulleys. When the door is raised, the springs contract, thus lifting the door as the tension is released. Typically, these springs are made of 11 gauge (3 mm) galvanized steel, and the lengths of these springs are based on the height of the garage door in question. Their lifting weight capacity can best be identified by the color that is painted on the ends of the springs.

Maintenance

[edit]

Maintenance of garage doors is described in the manufacturer's instructions and consists of periodic checks for correct operation, visual inspection of parts, and lubrication. [7][8]

Safety

[edit]

Garage doors can cause injury and property damage (including expensive damage to the door itself) in several ways. The most common causes of injury from garage door systems include falling doors, pinch points, improperly adjusted opener force settings, and safety eyes, attempts at do-it-yourself repair without the proper knowledge or tools, and uncontrolled release of spring tension (on torsion spring systems).

A garage door with a broken spring or the wrong strength can fall. Because the effective mass of the door increases as the garage door sections transfer from the horizontal to vertical door tracks, a falling garage door accelerates rapidly. A free-falling garage door can cause severe injury or death.

The sections and rollers on garage doors represent a significant pinch hazard. Children should never be allowed near a moving garage door for this reason. On manually operated garage doors, handles should be installed vertically to promote "vertical orientation of the hand".

Mechanical garage door openers can pull or push a garage door with enough force to injure or kill people and pets if they become trapped. Modern openers have “force settings” that make the door reverse if it encounters too much resistance while closing or opening. Any garage door opener sold in the United States after 1992 requires safety eyes—sensors that prevent the door from closing if obstructed. Force settings should cause a door to stop or reverse on encountering more than approximately 20 lb (10 kg) of resistance. Safety eyes should be installed a maximum of six inches above the ground. Many garage door injuries, and nearly all garage door-related property damage, can be avoided by following these precautions.[9]

Certain parts, especially springs, cables, bottom brackets, and spring anchor plates, are under extreme tension. Injuries can occur if parts under tension are removed.

Extension spring systems should always be restrained by a safety cable that runs through the middle of the spring, tying off to a solid point at the rear and front of the horizontal door track. The safety cable prevents hazards to bystanders when a spring, pulley, or cable breaks under tension and makes the system relatively safe.

Torsion spring systems can be hazardous as they are always under tension and release energy when the spring fails. Severe injury or death can be caused by the projectile pieces of a failed torsion spring. Many people have been injured or killed trying to adjust torsion springs, and special training and procedures are required to modify a torsion spring safely; it is a job for a professional, not a homeowner or DIYer.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Hamilton, Gene; Hamilton, Katie (2004). Do it right the first time: what every homeowner needs to know before the work begins. Innova Publishers. p. 154. ISBN 9780974937359. Retrieved 2015-07-19.
  2. ^ Ask the Family handy-man. Reader's Digest. 1999. p. 138. ISBN 9780762101429. Retrieved 2015-07-19. garage door can weigh 400 pounds or more; they only seem light because the springs balance the weight as you lift the door.
  3. ^ Day, Richard (July 1982). "Tips from a pro: how to install a garage-door opener". Popular Science. Vol. 221, no. 1. pp. 91–93. Retrieved 2015-07-19.
  4. ^ a b Winterton, Deanne (2012-02-21). "History of the Garage Door". Amazines.com. Retrieved 2015-07-19.
  5. ^ Deziel, Chris (10 October 2023). "Are Sliding Garage Doors the Best Option for You?". Family Handyman. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  6. ^ "DASMA Metal Gauge Chart Technical Data Sheet #154" (PDF). DASMA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-02. Retrieved 2015-07-19.
  7. ^ "DASMA Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association". Dasma.com. 1993-01-01. Archived from the original on 2012-10-28. Retrieved 2012-11-04.
  8. ^ "DASMA Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association". Dasma.com. Archived from the original on 2012-08-26. Retrieved 2012-11-04.
  9. ^ "How Important Are Garage Door Safety Sensors". rsvallejo.com. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
[edit]

Media related to Garage doors at Wikimedia Commons


A residential garage door opener. The motor is in the box on the upper-right.

A garage door opener is a motorized device that opens and closes a garage door controlled by switches on the garage wall. Most also include a handheld radio remote control carried by the owner, which can be used to open and close the door from a short distance.

The electric opener

[edit]

The electric overhead garage door opener was invented by C.G. Johnson in 1926 in Hartford City, Indiana.[1] Electric Garage Door openers did not become popular until Era Meter Company of Chicago offered one after World War II where the overhead garage door could be opened via a key pad located on a post at the end of the driveway or a switch inside the garage.[2]

As in an elevator, the electric motor does not provide most of the power to move a heavy garage door. Instead, most of door's weight is offset by the counterbalance springs attached to the door. (Even manually operated garage doors have counterbalances; otherwise, they would be too heavy for a person to open or close them.) In a typical design, torsion springs apply torque to a shaft, and that shaft applies a force to the garage door via steel counterbalance cables. The electric opener provides only a small amount of force to control how far the door opens and closes. In most cases, the garage door opener also holds the door closed in place of a lock.

The typical electric garage door opener consists of a power unit that contains the electric motor. The power unit attaches to a track. A trolley connected to an arm that attaches to the top of the garage door slides back and forth on the track, thus opening and closing the garage door. The trolley is pulled along the track by a chain, belt, or screw that turns when the motor is operated. A quick-release mechanism is attached to the trolley to allow the garage door to be disconnected from the opener for manual operation during a power failure or in case of emergency. Limit switches on the power unit control the distance the garage door opens and closes once the motor receives a signal from the remote control or wall push button to operate the door.[3]

The entire assembly hangs above the garage door. The power unit hangs from the ceiling and is located towards the rear of the garage. The end of the track on the opposite end of the power unit attaches to a header bracket that is attached to the header wall above the garage door. The powerhead is usually supported by punched angle iron.

Recently another type of opener, known as the jackshaft opener, has become more popular.[when?] This style of opener was used frequently on commercial doors but in recent years has been adapted for residential use. This style of opener consists of a motor that attaches to the side of the torsion rod and moves the door up and down by simply spinning the rod. These openers need a few extra components to function safely for residential use. These include a cable tension monitor, to detect when a cable is broken, and a separate locking mechanism to lock the door when it is fully closed. These have the advantage that they free up ceiling space that an ordinary opener and rail would occupy. These also have the disadvantage that the door must have a torsion rod to attach the motor to.

Types

[edit]

There are five types of garage door openers:

  1. Chain drive openers. These have a chain (similar to a bicycle's) that connects the trolley to the motor.
  2. Belt drive openers use a rubber belt in place of a chain.
  3. Screw drive openers have a long screw inside the track. The trolley connects to this screw.
  4. Direct drive openers have the motor installed inside the trolley and use a gear wheel to guide the trolley along a fixed chain.
  5. Jackshaft openers mount on the wall at either end of the torsion bar.

Remote control

[edit]

The first wireless garage door openers were invented and developed by two US inventors at the same time, one in Illinois and the other in Washington state, around 1930. They were unknown to each other.[4]

The first garage door opener remote controls were simple and consisted of a simple transmitter (the remote) and receiver which controlled the opener mechanism. The transmitter would transmit on a designated frequency; the receiver would listen for the radio signal, then open or close the garage, depending on the door position. The basic concept of this can be traced back to World War II. This type of system was used to detonate remote bombs. While novel at the time, the technology ran its course when garage door openers became popular. While the garage door remote control transmitter is low power and has limited range, its signal can be received by other, nearby, garage door openers. When two neighbors had garage door openers, then opening one garage door might open the neighbor's garage door as well.

The second stage of the wireless garage door opener system solved the opening-the-neighbor's-garage-door problem. The remote controls on these systems transmitted a digital code, and the receiver in the garage responded only to that code. The codes were typically set by eight to twelve DIP switches on the receiver and transmitter, so they allowed for 28 = 256 to 212 = 4,096 different codes. As long as neighbors used different codes, they would not open each other's garage doors. The intent of these systems was to avoid interference with nearby garage doors; the systems were not designed with security in mind. Intruders were able to defeat the security of these systems and gain entry to the garage and the house. The number of codes was small enough that even an unsophisticated intruder with a compatible remote control transmitter could just start transmitting all possible codes until he found one that opened the door. More sophisticated intruders could acquire a black box master key that automatically transmitted every possible code in a short time. An even more sophisticated method is known as a replay attack. The attacker would use a code grabber, which has a receiver that captures the remote's digital code and can retransmit that digital code at a later time. The attacker with a code grabber would wait nearby for the homeowner to use his remote, capture the code, and then replay the code to open the door when the homeowner was gone. Multicode openers became unpopular in areas where security was important, but due to their ease of programming, such openers are often used to operate such things as the gates in gated apartment complexes.

An intermediate stage of the garage door opener market eliminated the DIP switches and used remotes preprogrammed to one out of roughly 3.5 billion unique codes. The receiver would maintain a security list of remotes to which it would respond; the user could easily add the unique remote's code to the list by pressing a button on the garage door opener while activating the remote control. A large number of codes made the brute force try-all-possible-digital-codes attacks infeasible, but the systems were still vulnerable to code grabbers. For user convenience, these systems were also backward compatible with the older DIP switch remote codes, but adding an old technology remote to the security list made the garage door opener vulnerable to a brute force attack to find the DIP switch code. The larger code space approach was an improvement over the fixed DIP switch codes but was still vulnerable to the replay attack.

The third stage of garage door opener technology uses a frequency spectrum range between 300-400 MHz and rolling code (code hopping) technology to defeat code grabbers. In addition to transmitting a unique identifier for the remote control, a sequence number and an encrypted message are also sent. Although an intruder could still capture the code used to open a garage door, the sequence number immediately expires, so retransmitting the code later would not open the garage door. The encryption makes it extremely difficult for an intruder to forge a message with the next sequence number that would open the door. Some rolling code systems are more involved than others. Because there is a high probability that someone will push the remote's button while not in range and thus advance the sequence number, the receiver does not insist the sequence number increase by exactly one; it will accept a sequence number that falls within a narrow window or two successive sequence numbers in a much wider window. Rolling code technology is also used on car remote controls and with some internet protocols for secure sites.

The fourth stage of garage door opener systems is similar to third stage, but it is limited to the 315 MHz frequency. The 315 MHz frequency range avoids interference from the land mobile radio system (LMRS) used by the U.S. military.

The following standards are used by units manufactured by Chamberlain (including LiftMaster and Craftsman):

Dates System Color of programming button and LED on unit Color of LED on remote*
1984–1993 8-12 DIP switch on 300-400 MHz white, gray, or yellow button with red LED red
1993–1997 Billion Code on 390 MHz green button with green or red LED green
1997–2005 Security+ (rolling code) on 390 MHz orange or red button with amber LED amber or none
2005–present Security+ (rolling code) on 315 MHz purple button with amber LED none
2011–present Security+ 2.0 (rolling code) on 310, 315, and 390 MHz yellow button with amber LED and yellow antenna wires red or blue

* Does not apply to keyless entry keypads or universal remotes.

Recent Chamberlain garage door openers that have Security+ 2.0 features also use a special serial protocol on wired connections rather than a simple switch closure.[5]

The following standards are used by units manufactured by Overhead Door Corporation and its subsidiary The Genie Company†:

Dates System
1985–1995 9–12 DIP switch on 360, 380, or 390 MHz[6][7]
1995–2005 Intellicode/CodeDodger (rolling code) on 390 MHz
2005–present Intellicode/CodeDodger (rolling code) on 315 MHz
2011–present Intellicode 2/CodeDodger 2 (rolling code) on 315 and 390 MHz

Note: There are no standard color codes for the learn button or LED on units manufactured by Overhead Door or Genie. All accessories made for later versions of Genie Intellicode and Overhead Door CodeDodger are backward compatible with previous generations of Intellicode and CodeDodger.

Cloning garage door opener remotes

[edit]
A typical photo of both the outer case and inner circuit of a garage door opener remote control.

Many garage door opener remote controls use fixed-code encoding which use DIP switches or soldering to do the address pins coding process, and they usually use pt2262/pt2272 or compatible ICs. For these fixed-code garage door opener remotes, one can easily clone the existing remote using a self-learning remote control duplicator (copy remote) which can make a copy of the remote using face-to-face copying.

Additional features

[edit]

Additional features that have been added over the years have included:

  • Automatic courtesy lights that turn on when the door opens (or via motion sensors) and automatically turn off after a preset delay
  • A remote lockout feature, which turns off the radio receiver while one is on vacation or away for an extended time.
  • The availability of accessories has increased, including such features as wireless keypads, key chain remotes, and solenoid-operated deadbolts to lock the door itself.
  • Automatic door closing feature, which after a fixed time by the owner, closes the garage door to prevent theft.

More sophisticated features are also available, such as an integrated carbon monoxide sensor to open the door in case of the garage being flooded with exhaust fumes. Other systems allow door activation over the Internet to allow home owners to open their garage door from their office for deliveries.

Another recent innovation in the garage door opener is a fingerprint-based wireless keypad. This unit attaches to the outside of the garage door on the jamb and allows users to open and close their doors with the press of a finger, rather than creating a personal identification number (PIN). This is especially helpful for families with children who may forget a code and are latchkey kids.

Safety

[edit]
Electric eye for safety

The garage door is generally the largest moving object in a home. An improperly adjusted garage door opener can exert strong and deadly forces and might not reverse the garage door in an emergency. The manufacturer's instructions provide guidance to the user on the proper adjustment and maintenance of the opener.

Garage door openers manufactured and installed in the United States since 1982 are required to provide a quick-release mechanism on the trolley that allows for the garage door to be disconnected from the garage door opener in the event of entrapment.[8] Garage door openers manufactured since 1991 are also required to reverse the garage door if it strikes a solid object.[9][10]

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 required that automatic residential garage door operators manufactured on or after 1 January 1991 conform to the entrapment protection requirements of the 1988 version of ANSI/UL standard 325.[11] A requirement for redundant entrapment-prevention devices was added in 1993; such a system can use an electric eye, a door edge sensor, or any other device that provides equivalent protection by reversing the travel of the closing door if an object is detected in its path.[12][13]

California Senate Bill No. 969

[edit]

In California, Senate Bill No. 969 requires that any automatic residential garage door opener that is manufactured for sale, sold, offered for sale, or installed in a residence to have a battery backup function that is designed to operate when activated because of an electrical outage.[14] The bill went into effect on July 1, 2019. Under the bill, any automatic garage door opener that is in violation is subject to a civil penalty of $1000.

The bill was passed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 21, 2018, in response to the 2017 California Wildfires in which at least 5 individuals lost their lives because they could not open their garage door when the power went out.[15]

The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association International opposed the bill arguing that garage door openers with backup batteries require regular maintenance and that the bill should be amended to make this clear. In addition, they said that "garage door openers with backup batteries are not designed to serve as life safety devices, and should not be relied upon to prove a means of egress from a garage during an electrical outage."[16]

The bill passed, despite most garage doors having a release pull cord.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Robert J Girod (2014). "Garage Door Openers - High-tech Burglary". Advanced Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Operations: Tradecraft Methods, Practices, Tactics, and Techniques. Taylor and Francis. p. 90. ISBN 9781482230741.
  2. ^ "Aids To Modern Living - Garage Doors". Popular Science: 137. December 1946.
  3. ^ Castro, Diane. "The Complete Garage Door System". Regency Conference Center. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  4. ^ "Widely Separated Inventors Invent Garage Door Openers By Radio Impulses". Popular Science: 32. February 1931.
  5. ^ "Will my older accessories work with the new line of Security+ 2.0 garage door openers?". alldaygaragerepair.com. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
  6. ^ Willmes, Dave. "My Overhead Door Opener Doesn't Work with this Universal Remote". www.overheaddooronline.com. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  7. ^ "FCC ID BSH8YN106546 by Overhead Door Corporation". FCCID.io. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  8. ^ "Falling Garage Doors — A Crushing Concern". Garage Door Child Safety.
  9. ^ "Non Reversing Garage Door Openers a Hazard" (PDF). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  10. ^ "Garage Door System Safety Guidelines". Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association International. Archived from the original on 2008-12-23.
  11. ^ Garage Door Operators • CPSC
  12. ^ Non-Reversing Automatic Garage Door Openers Are a Hazard • CPSC
  13. ^ 16CFR1211
  14. ^ "Bill Text - SB-969 Automatic garage door openers: backup batteries". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. California Legislative Information. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  15. ^ "New California Law Could Cost You $1000 in Fines". Clark's Garage Door. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  16. ^ "California Mandates Battery Backup With All GDOS - Experts Cite Problems With The Legislation" (PDF). dasma.com. DASMA. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
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